Kenya unveils late blight-resistant potato, offering farmers new hope

By Shelmith Nelima

Potato farmers in Kenya may soon breathe a sigh of relief as the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), in partnership with the International Potato Center (CIP), has developed a biotech potato variety resistant to late blight, a devastating disease that wipes out up to 60% of harvests, and costs the country billions of shillings annually.

Late blight, caused by the fungus-like microorganism Phytophthora infestans, is one of the most destructive potato diseases worldwide. In Kenya, where potatoes are the second most important food crop after maize and a key source of income for smallholder farmers, the disease undermines food security and household incomes.

Farmers currently rely on fungicides, spraying their crops three to four times a season, and in extreme cases, up to 15 times. Yet, resistance caused by repeated use, combined with high costs, means these efforts often fail to protect yields.

A breakthrough for farmers

According to KALRO, the newly-developed potato variety has already been tested successfully in Kenya for five seasons across three locations. Trials showed the crop thriving even in the presence of late blight and producing yields up to 12 times higher than conventional varieties. Crucially, the new variety can reduce fungicide use by up to 90%, easing farmers’ financial burdens and cutting chemical use on farms.

This breakthrough builds on earlier resistant varieties such as Wanjiku and Unica, which were moderately successful but less favoured by farmers and consumers. The new biotech potato is designed to align with both market and farmer preferences, boosting adoption prospects.

Technology behind the solution

The new variety was developed through biotechnology research at KALRO’s horticultural research centre in Tigoni. KALRO has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation, using tissue culture, molecular breeding, and marker-assisted selection to develop climate-resilient and pest-resistant crops.

“This development shows how biotechnology can directly improve farmer livelihoods while reducing dependence on costly and often ineffective chemical inputs,” KALRO noted in a statement.

Farmer expectations

While the potato is yet to be officially released, anticipation is already high. Farmers are hopeful the new variety will withstand late blight and deliver strong yields even under unpredictable weather. Those using greenhouse systems are particularly optimistic about the potential for Rooted Apical Cuttings (RACs) to accelerate multiplication and scaling.

If rolled out widely, the biotech potato could mark a turning point for Kenya’s potato sector, lowering production costs, boosting food security, and providing farmers with a resilient, high-yielding crop.

Quick Facts: Late Blight in Kenya

• Crop at risk: Potato, Kenya’s second most important food crop after maize.
• Annual losses: In billions of shillings.
• Farmer losses: Individual farmers lose up to 60% of their harvests.
• Cause: Phytophthora infestans, a fungus-like microorganism.
• Current Control: Fungicide sprays. 80% of farmers apply 3-4 per season; some use up to 15.
• Challenge: Rising fungicide costs + pathogen resistance = reduced effectiveness.
• New Hope: Biotech potato developed by KALRO & CIP, proven resistant in 5 seasons of trials.
• Fungicide savings: Up to 90% reduction in fungicide use. costs.